4 July 2005
Photo Frames/ Albums(HKTDC Enterprise, Vol 07,2005)
Photo Frames/ AlbumsIn The Picture
"Producing these from the outset, we have developed into one of the largest photo frame manufacturers in Asia," says senior marketing executive Chris Law. "We now boast an annual production capacity of more than 48 million photo frames and albums." CKK supplies photo frames in a variety of materials, including metal, wood and plastic. They go to prestigious companies in the US and Europe. "Customers can select from our diverse range of stamped, roll-formed and die-cast metal frames, and from our extensive range of plastic and handmade wooden frames," adds Law. "Over the years, we have probably designed, developed and manufactured tens of thousands of different designs for our clients, and more than 2,000 designs are available at any time," he adds. CKK also welcomes requests for custom-made designs. "We are committed to providing customers with the highest quality, and believe that adhering strictly to ISO 9001 standards improves both product quality and service," says Law, noting that CKK has been ISO 9001-certified since 1999. Minimum order requirements depend on order size and complexity, while delivery is 45-60 days after order confirmation. Main markets are the US, Canada and Europe. Production takes place at a 1,000-worker, one million-square-foot factory in Shenzhen on the Chinese mainland. Steel and zinc alloys used in production are sourced in Asia. Another firm that has been in photo frames and albums since early in its history is 1982-established Bigfield Goldenford Holdings Ltd. "Photo frames and albums form part of our range of household items including stationery, paper bags and boxes," says senior sales executive Kennex Chui. He says there has been little real change in demand over the years, although designs have got smarter and cleaner and there is now a market for high quality goods. "We have photo frames made of high quality wood, also hand-crafted and hand-painted models. We also offer Thai-style frames, plastic-extruded and polyresin designs. We can handle OEM items and we are happy to co-develop designs with customers," he adds. "Paper photo albums continue to be popular, and our latest product is a range of die-cut pocket albums with a modern and fancy design and spiral binding. We also produce PU, vinyl/paper, and assorted fabric albums and use PP for one particular range." Bigfield mainly serves markets in Europe and the US, and minimum order size depends upon the product. Delivery time is 45-60 days. The combined size of the company's two custom-built factories in Dongguan on the Chinese mainland is 100,000 square metres. At full production, these plants employ a total of 8,000 workers. Meanwhile, 1989-established Power Guard Industrial Co Ltd manufactures a comprehensive range of silver-plated and wood/metal photo frames. "We produce high-quality metal frames in a wide range of sizes from a super-mini 4x5cm model to a more standard 25x30cm frame. These come in different finishes like silver plate, pearl silver and in antique colours," says marketing executive Raymond Lam. "While we also produce metal and wood combination frames, silver-plated photo frames are our hottest-selling items this year." Main markets are Spain, Italy, Greece and the UK, with delivery time 45-60 days after order confirmation. Raw materials are sourced from Japan and the Chinese mainland. Production takes place at a 1,000-worker, 9,000-square-metre factory in Shenzhen. The 1999-established Shimmer Development Ltd, meanwhile, manufactures ornaments with a seasonal touch, and among its range are photo frames. "Our FOB Hong Kong unit prices for musical photo frames with flashing lights are about US$2.50. We have themes such as the moon and stars, butterflies in a blue sky, sunflowers and white chrysanthemums. They are made from polyfoam and paper," says assistant sales and marketing executive Fiona Lo. Production takes place at a 3,000-square-metre factory in Dongguan on the Chinese mainland, and minimum order is 3,000 pieces per style. Delivery time, to major markets such as the US, is dependent on quantity. Showing once again that, to stay well and truly in the picture, frames and albums from Hong Kong will do it every time. WRITTEN BY TONY HENDERSON CONTACT DETAILS Bigfield Goldenford Holdings Ltd Chu Kwun Kee Metal Mfy Ltd Masterwin Group Ltd Power Guard Industrial Co Ltd Shimmer Development Ltd
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